Duckweed as a potential source of protein for broilers was the subject of a study by the University of Jordan, Jordan. The conclusion was it can be grown in Jordan and can make a safe poultry feed.

Both additives increased digestibility

The experiments showed a significant interaction (P≤0.01) between PP and DFM on the apparent ileal digestibility coefficient for starch, crude protein, and amino acid indicated that both additives increased the digestibility. Both additives increased the nitrogen retention coefficient with a significant interaction (P≤0.01). Although no interaction was observed, significant main effects (P≤0.01) for nitrogen-corrected apparent ME (AMEn) for PP or DFM indicated an additive response.

Complementary mechanisms

In the follow-up experiment, the researchers showed that activities of ileal brush border maltase, sucrase, and L-alanine aminopeptidase were increased (P≤0.01) by PP addition, while a trend (P = 0.07) for increased sucrase activity was observed in chickens fed DFM. The proportion of cecal butyrate was increased (P≤0.01) by DFM addition. Increased nutrient utilisation and nitrogen retention appear to involve separate but complementary mechanisms for PP and DFM, however AMEn responses appear to have separate and additive mechanisms.